Bharatiya Seniors of Chicago celebrates Shivratri, Valentine’s Day
The community organization Bharatiya Seniors of Chicago (BSC) celebrated ‘Shivratri’ and Valentine’s Day on February 18, 2023. More than 700 members and invited guests attended this program, according to information provided by participant Jayanti Oza.
Secretary of BSC Rashila Dobariya sang a ‘Ganesh Vandna”and BSC Managing Trustee Parsotam Pandya welcomed all members and guests and wished everyone a happy Maha Shivratri.
The program began with “Shivji Vargodo’ which BSC members joined with masks on and dancing symbolizing Shiv Ji’s wedding procession.
A special song ‘Ravan Rachit Shiv Tandav Stotram” was performed by Avni Bang.
The Valentine program followed the Maha Shivratri celebration.
It was managed by Bhavna Modi (Manpasand) and Rana Reigan Pharmacy owner Jigan & Jignesh Gandhi. They brought a Valentine couple on the stage and asked them funny questions, inducing laughter. They were presented a gift.
Many attendees wore red & black clothes to represent Valentine colors.
Music and Bollywood songs were performed by Omkar Deshpande of Sa Re Ga Ma fame Omkar Deshpande, and Shivani Shah, chief guest of the event.
Members of the BSC worked hard to make the program a success, Oza said, including the food management team which was made up of Indu Vaghani, Madarsang Chavda, Amrat Patel, Pinakin Shah, Pravin Amin, Digesh Bhatt, Ruchir Mehta, Alkesh Raval, Bharat Gandhi, and Munjal Patel. And Balu Dobariya & Digesh Bhatt took care of food for special guests.
Decorations were handled by Bhavna Modi and Jigna Gandhi with the help of committee members. BSC President Hari Patel requested that Fitness or Health programs be included for seniors, a segment which will be handled by Bhavna Modi and Jigna Gandhi. It will include a personal trainer and cost a nominal $10 so that anyone can afford it, organizers said. There are also efforts ongoing to provide a free lunch every Tuesday for seniors.
The State Bank of India Chicago supported the event as a sponsor and was represented by Sudesh Bhatt (CEO), Amit Shah, and other seniors colleagues.
